Michael "Mike" Hickam is a recurring character on When Calls the Heart. He is portrayed by Ben Rosenbaum.
Background[]
Mike is the son of Mavis Hickam. He is the only boy in a family of six children. He describes his five sisters as “overbearing.” His older sister, Maisie, is the mayor of Benson Hills.
Storyline[]
Season 1[]
Season 2[]
Season 3[]
Season 4[]
Season 5[]
Season 6[]
Mike was working with Lee at Coulter Lumber until he decided to leave and go work for Gowen Petroleum. He was able to make more money working there, although he felt bad for having to leave his job with Lee.
Season 7[]
Season 8[]
Gowen Petroleum[]
Mike was working for the oil company. He mentioned to Lucas and Henry that he heard of a new technique to help the oil company as the oil had stopped flowing. He suggested they try "shooting the well." It's where a controlled explosion is done to release any trapped oil. Henry thought it was dangerous, but Lucas was interested. [1]
Mike became part of the digging crew for Lucas's oil company. Suddenly, they struck oil, and Mike ran into town, covered in oil, announcing the good news. However, the celebration was cut short by an explosion at the derrick. It could be heard all the way into town. Lucas and Mike were unharmed but the rig was on fire. Thankfully Henry saw the blast and headed towards it. Bill and Nathan joined in to fight the fire. Henry knew what to do to put the fire out. They had to use dynamite to put out the fire. It was dangerous, but thanks to Fiona, Jesse and Ned joining Lucas, Hickam, Bill and Nathan, they were able to put out the fire. [2] Hickam went later on to talk to Henry, but saw Henry's son Christopher there, and took him out for training instead. [3] Mike came up with an idea for the oil company, but before he could share it, Henry decided to leave the oil company in Mike's capable hands. They shook on it to seal the deal. [4]
Visiting the Barbershop[]
Mike talked to Jesse and Bill in the saloon about the barbershop. Mike and Jesse both admitted to a questioning Bill that every time they stopped by for a haircut, it was always woman's day. When the others declared their annoyance, even discussing going elsewhere, Mike admitted he didn't mind, since he liked Fiona. Both Bill and Jesse declared that they already knew that. [5] Mike went to visit Clara at the barbershop for his regular trim but she told him it was women's day again. He took out some money since he just got a raise, and asked what day it was now. He continued to take out money until his entire paycheck was in Clara's hands. Clara still didn't change her mind, but did give his money back in the end. She said that half day Friday was tomorrow morning which made him happy. [6] Finally Mike got his haircut from Clara. He tried to tip her, but she refused, saying he was such a good customer. [6]
Friendship with Fiona[]
Mike helped Fiona to put up a sign for her new barbershop. Mike was reluctant about a female cutting his hair. [7] He lost a bet to Jesse and allowed Fiona cut his hair. While Fiona was cutting his hair, she nicked his ear, which sent him running to the infirmary screaming. It was just a minor cut. Later on, he tried getting a haircut again, and it went smoothly. [7] Mike also helped her set up a new chair with the help of Jesse. Only Mike got a thank you. [8]
Mike asked Fiona to dinner, and she accepted, assuring her friends that it was just two friends having dinner. [9] During Ned and Florence's wedding, Mike took a seat next to Fiona at her shop and tells Fiona that he thought of her as a confidant, though his demeanor suggested he actually had a crush on her. Later, they danced together, and as they danced, they made plans for the oil company. When she offered to step aside, saying he could do it alone, he said they would do it together as partners. [10]
Fiona found Mike at the mayor's office. He said it had been a unique few days between being given the oil business, running for mayor and Fiona interrupted him saying, "and a new beau" as she adjusts his bow tie. Mike asked her for news, and she announced that her old friend was willing to put up half the money for the oil fuel line. To celebrate, Fiona took Mike for a ride on her motorbike. [11]
Friendships[]
Mike had been being nice and letting Jesse stay at his house while he was fighting with Clara but he had enough. He yells at Jesse about how he doesn't know how Clara puts up with his messy habits and tells him to go make up with Clara and go home. [12] Jesse comes to him later on and apologizes knowing he was just telling him what he needed to hear. [13]
Mike visits Jesse asking him what it's like to live above a cafe. Jesse brings out some leftovers for them to share. As they are sharing them, Clara yells at Jesse thinking they are eating the tea snacks. They were not. Jesse and Mike excuse themselves leaving as Jesse is embarrassed. [14]
Running for Mayor[]
Mike runs for mayor. He thinks he is running unopposed. Fiona jokes she is going to run as well but doesn't think anyone will vote for her. Mike reminds her that she has never let anything stop her in the past. [4]
Season 9[]
Mike decides to run against Lucas and Bill for mayor of Hope Valley. Although his campaign has some tough moments, Mike wins the election! [15] Mike is excited but has no idea what to do as mayor. When interviewed for The Voice by Lee, he has no vison for Hope Valley. [16] There's a little disagreement with the mayor's office as Bill does not want to give up 'his' office so Mike takes over the one next door. This creates some tension. [17] Seeing how Mike has no idea what he's doing and the town knows it and doesn't respect him for it, Bill takes him under his wing telling him how to dress, how to act and what to do. It's obvious, Bill is a natural leader where Mike is not. Mike has a discussion with Walden who is bad news, Bill calls him out on it letting Mike know that he will probably lose friends being mayor. [18] He walks him through town, leading him remembering how he felt when he took over for Abigail. [19]Mike then asks advice from Faith saying she's able to make hard decisions so he could use some help doing the same. He takes her to dinner at the saloon to discuss it. [20]
Lee uses The Voice to let the town know of what a 'terrible' job Mike was doing as mayor. It hurts Mike. Rosemary finally has to step in letting Lee know to stop as Mike is Lee's friend and it was ruining their friendship. [21] After the bad publicity stops, Mike is able to settle in as mayor. His first business is to create 5 holidays calling it Hope Valley Days. [22] He also lets Faith know, despite his crush on her, that he cannot offer her special treatment, when she asks for money for an x-ray machine. He tells her to raise the funds on her own. [23]
Mike decides with his extra responsibilities as mayor to offer to give his shares of the oil business to Fiona thinking that the town needs him as much as the company needs her. (Fiona has no idea what to do with oil). [24]
Mike in the end decides being mayor isn't for him. He is a yes man and mayor requires a 'no' at times. He decides to leave town to take a much needed break conceding mayor. [25] He eventually gives up his office to return to being in the oil business. [26]
Season 10[]
In 1920, Mike became Lucas Bouchard's right-hand man at The Queen of Hearts. He became interested in pharmacist Mei Sou, but was reluctant to approach her. Mike and Mei sang a duet together in the Hope Valley Choir. Fiona Miller urged him to tell Mei how he felt about her, and ultimately he did, and they danced together. After Lucas left Hope Valley to campaign for Governor, he left Mike the keys to The Queen of Hearts and put him in charge as manager. This change was a lot to handle at first, and Mike was struggling on Election Day until Lee and Bill stepped in to help during a rush.
Season 11[]
Work and Family Issues[]
In 1921, Lucas sold the Queen of Hearts to the Coulters, in order to avoid a conflict of interest. Mike was worried at first, but Lee and Rosemary assured him he would keep his job. Mike’s sister Maisie caused a stir in town due to her opposition to the resort. Mike tried to reason with her, but had difficulty, so fortunately, the newly appointed Mayor Lee Coulter was able to assist.
Relationship with Mei[]
Mike and Mei's relationship grew and blossomed over time as they fell in love, shared their first kiss, and confessed their love to each other. Mike introduced Mei to his mother and sisters, and Mei cooked Chinese dishes for the whole family. Mei also planned a special date for them in the grove behind the cafe, which she decorated beautifully with Chinese lanterns and decor. She cooked xiao long bao and Shanghainese noodles for Mike, and he showed her that he'd learned how to use chopsticks. Mike and Mei’s relationship grew even stronger, and he proposed marriage to her, after hearing that her brother Bo, who was so rarely in town due to his work, would be in the area for just a few days. The couple were married in the summer of 1921, in a ceremony that honored her heritage. Mike asked Fiona to be his best woman for the wedding ceremony.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Romances[]
- Mei Hickam: Mike and Mei got to know each other while singing in the choir. He coached Mei and helped her gain confidence to sing in front of other people. The two danced for the first time in October 1920. In 1921, they shared their first kiss. Mei planned a romantic dinner in the hazelnut orchard and cooked some of her favorite Chinese dishes. Mei met Mike’s family, and cooked a delicious dinner for them. After Mei received word that her brother Bo, who was in the merchant marines, would be in the area, it spurred Mike to propose marriage to her so that her brother could be in attendance. The pair were married in a beautiful ceremony that honored her Chinese heritage.
Friends[]
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- Mike has appeared in all 12 seasons of When Calls the Heart.
- Like Rosemary and Bill, he first appearance was in the penultimate episode of season 1.
Gallery[]
- ↑ S8E1. Open Season
- ↑ S8E3. From the Ashes
- ↑ S8E7. Before My Very Eyes
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 S8E12. The Kiss
- ↑ S8E5. What the Heart Wants
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 S8E6. No Regrets
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 S8E2. Honestly, Elizabeth
- ↑ S8E4. Welcome to Hope Valley
- ↑ S8E9. Pre-Wedding Jitters
- ↑ S8E10. Old Love, New Love, Is This True Love
- ↑ S8E12. The Kiss
- ↑ S8E8. A Parade and a Charade
- ↑ S8E8. A Parade and a Charade
- ↑ S8E9. Pre-Wedding Jitters
- ↑ S9E2. Out Like a Lamb
- ↑ S9E4. Straight from the Heart
- ↑ S9E4. Straight from the Heart
- ↑ S9E5. Journey into the Light
- ↑ S9E6. Past, Present, Future
- ↑ S9E6. Past, Present, Future
- ↑ S9E6. Past, Present, Future
- ↑ S9E7. Hope Valley Days, Part 1
- ↑ S9E7. Hope Valley Days, Part 1
- ↑ S9E2. Out Like a Lamb
- ↑ S9E11. Smoke on the Water
- ↑ S9E12. Rock, a Bye, Baby